What's On - Provence in May 2016

The first weekend brings the Medieval Festival in the town of Orange to the north of Avignon, where they will embrace their Medieval past with plenty of tradition, music, costumes and markets. Expect some damsels in distress and few knights running around on white horses amongst the wonderful Roman ruins. Sunday 1st May will see another traditional event with more horses, but cowboys this time, instead of knights. The annual Fete des Gardians in Arles is a fantastic show by the cowboys of the Camargue region, the Americans aren't the only ones who can lasso a bull! This particular tradition dates all the way back to 1512, so just at the end of Europe's Medieval period.

A week into May and we come up smelling of roses! The Expo Rose in Grasse celebrates all things floral and showcases the importance of this flower in the area. For a full floral experience you can't get much better than this. Sticking with the flower theme, the town of Lorgues also celebrates their blooms and their best pollinating friend, the humble bee. Fete des Fleurs & des Abeilles has musical entertainment, workshops and plenty for kids to do this is a lovely family festival.

In the region of Provence you are never far from some culture and a little bit of jazz music. The annual Jazz Festival in Arles gets under way on the 11th May and runs for ten days, showcasing some local and national talent. With plenty of street performances you will be able to soak up the atmosphere from any cafe or bar terrace. On the weekend of 13th to 15th may you will find the World Music Festival is being celebrated in Correns. An eclectic mix of traditional and modern music from across the globe in the beautiful village of Correns.

Traditions are strong in Provence as we continue through the month to the Fete de la Transhumance in St Remy de Provence. Many towns and villages celebrate this traditional festival when flocks of sheep are herded to their summer pastures. It takes place on Pentecote or Whit Monday (50 days after Easter). In St Remy the local town hall also put on a feast which you can participate in, bookings need to be made in advance. In another great tradition you will find that the town of Carpentras has their summer Truffle Market starting on 20th May and continuing throughout June, July and August. These rich fungus are a real local delicacy. 

Sticking with the local produce, the town of Rognes in the Bouches-du Rhone hosts the Fete des Vins des Coteaux d'Aix en Provence. Around thirty producers are represented here and you can sample some of their finest wines of the Coteaux d'Aix appellation. And best of all, this event is completely free! This wonderful month is rounded off with one of the best evening light shows in Provence. Beginning in May the fantastic Illuminations at the Pont du Gard, near Nimes, take place from 7pm each evening. A sight not to be missed, the Pont du Gard is still worth a visit in the day time as well as the evenings.